JUPITER, FL—Multiple reports are saying the Cardinals are close to finalizing a multi-year agreement with 3rd baseman Matt Carpenter. Estimates of the reported extension are said to be in the $50 to $55 million range.

One team official tells me no announcement is imminent but that could certainly change.

A more likely scenario has the Cardinals announcing the agreement over the weekend, possibly as soon as Saturday.

Carpenter has become one of the team’s core players and leaders with his hard work and determination.

Carpenter hit .318 last season with 11 home runs and 78 RBI's as an All-Star second basemen. He was the National League's Silver Slugger award winner at second base, and led the league with 126 runs and 55 doubles.

He will not be arbitration eligible until 2015 or free-agent eligible until after the 2018 season.